Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Mercedes-Benz supports research fleet for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Model Deployment

Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA) is supporting the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Model Deployment. This activity, to be officially launched on August 21, 2012 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is the largest connected vehicle field operational trial in the world, with over 2800 passenger, commercial, and transit vehicles. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate, in real world scenarios, automotive safety technology based on wireless communications between vehicles. Academia, industry, and government have all come together to assure the success of this effort.

The wireless communications technology used in the V2V Model Deployment is 5.9 GHz Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC). Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in automotive safety, considers innovations based on 5.9 GHz DSRC, in combination with in-vehicle Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, as an important step on the road towards accident free driving. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz continues to collaborate with government agencies and other major car manufacturers in the United States and Europe to develop effective safety solutions based on 5.9 GHz DSRC.

MBRDNA equipped eight Mercedes-Benz C-300 passenger vehicles and three Freightliner heavy-duty commercial trucks with fully integrated 5.9 GHz DSRC systems to support the V2V Model Deployment. The passenger vehicles feature LED strip lighting on the dashboard that illuminate to warn the driver of an impending collision risk. The commercial vehicles display warnings through tablet devices installed in the cockpit. Local Ann Arbor residents will drive these vehicles over the course of one year, while researchers collect and analyze data to assess the systems’ effectiveness.
In addition to its participation in USDOT V2V Model Deployment, Mercedes-Benz's strong support for V2V communication is also evident in other projects in this area, for instance the simTD research project. (The name simTD stands for ‘Safe Intelligent Mobility – test field Germany’.) Headed by Mercedes-Benz, the aim of the recently started simTD field trial is to test the V2V systems’ suitability for everyday use in real-life traffic conditions on the roads of the Rhine-Main region.

*Courtesy of Daimler Media

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Mercedes-Benz to Debut New Generation GL Class SUV for MY-2013

L-2013-mercedes-gl-class
Mercedes-Benz plans to debut the second-generation of its GL-Class SUV for the 2013 model-year. The new GL will feature Mercedes’ new Collision Prevention Assist safety system, and a range of different models, including the GL350 BlueTEC, GL63 AMG, GL450, and GL550. Along with the M-Class, Mercedes builds the GL-Class at its U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

The GL350 BlueTEC features a 240 hp, 455 lb.-ft. a V-6 turbodiesel engine. The GL63 AMG comes equipped with the AMG 5.5L biturbo, direct-injection V-8, which is capable of producing 550 hp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque. The GL450 and GL550 are both powered by new 4.6L direct-injection biturbo V-8 engines. The engine in the GL450 can produce 362 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque, and the GL550 can produce up to 429 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. All GL-Class models feature four-wheel independent suspension and height-adjustable “Airmatic” suspension. The 2013 GL-Class lineup is equipped with an enhanced seven-speed automatic transmission that’s designed to provide better fuel economy than the previous version of transmission used in the GL-Class. The automaker hasn’t yet announced fuel-economy figures for these models.

Standard features on the GL-Class include electromechanical power steering; mbrace2; a color instrument display; a power liftgate; a rear-view camera; and a 115-volt outlet, in addition to other features mentioned.

Safety systems on the new GL-Class models include Attention Assist, Adaptive Brake technology, mbrace2 telematics, and Crosswind Stabilization, according to Mercedes. Electronic Stability Control and ABS anti-lock brakes are also standard. The Active Curve System, which provides greater stability in curves, Active Lane Keeping Assist, a Surround Sound View camera, and Active Parking Assist are all options.

The new Collision Prevention Assist system, standard on the new GL-Class, monitors the distance to other vehicles and objects in front of the GL. If the system senses a potential collision, it alerts the driver with a warning sound and a flashing light on the dash. The vehicle’s Pre-Safe system, also standard, automatically tightens the front seat belts and, on some models, moves the front passenger seat to a position that provides better protection in a crash. The system also closes side windows to provide better support for the curtain air bags. If the system detects an impending rollover, it closes the sunroof.

Outside, the new GL-Class features sleek bumper and front grille designs, chrome window trim, and front and rear skid plates. Mercedes used LED technology for the vehicle’s taillights and daytime running lights.

Inside, the GL-Class offers third-row seats that a vehicle owner can stow electrically via a button (either separately or together). This feature can provide a flat cargo floor, if needed. A manual “Easy Entry” feature is standard, and this same feature for the second-row seats is optional. Up front, the seats are heated and powered, and the interior comes with genuine wood trim and a retractable glass sunroof. Other options include a double-sized power Panorama sunroof with a fixed glass panel over the third-row seats and multi-color ambient lighting.

When it comes to connectivity, the GL-Class features Mercedes’ “Comand” system as standard. It comes with a high-resolution seven-inch color display screen with a Comand controller, AM/FM/HD radio, an in-dash, six-disc DVD/CD changer, and a Bluetooth interface for pairing a phone. Infotainment options include a harmon/kardon sound system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

*Courtesy of Automotive Fleet.com

Monday, August 20, 2012

Mercedes-Benz Posts July Sales of 19,311

Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported July sales of 19,311 for its Mercedes-Benz models, delivering a record year-to-date total of 147,905 new vehicles to customers, up 13.8%. 

Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter of the month totaled 22,294, up 5.8% bringing an MBUSA year-to-date total of 164,912, up 18.6%

Mercedes-Benz sales for the month of July were led by the C-, E- and GL-Class model lines.  The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – took the lead with sales of 5,663, up 24.4%.  The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 5,089 and MBUSA's largest SUV, the GL-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 2,494, up 32%. 

At the high end, the all-new iconic sixth generation 2013 SL roadster – which debuted in showrooms this past spring - posted sales of 449 yielding an increase of 382.8% and the flagship coupe, the CL, sold 39 vehicles for an increase of 62.5%.  The SLS AMG supercar retailed at 59 for the month, up 20.4% over the same period last year.

On a year-to-date basis, top performers were the C-Class with 43,349, the E-Class with 35,455 and the M-Class with 22,416.

Monthly sales of the high-performance AMG models were 457, up 11.7% versus July 2011 (409) and up 54.3% year to date. 

Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were up 45% for the year at 9,957 compared to the 6,866 diesels sold over the same time last year.

The company's smart brand continued nine consecutive months of sales increases with July sales of 780 , a 138.5% jump for the month (compared to the 327 vehicles sold in July 2011) bringing the year-to-date volume to 5,528 up 1,590.5%

On the van side, sales of Sprinter vans saw another best-ever sales month in July with 2,203 – up 27.2% over last year and up 30% on a year-to-date basis.

Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,519 vehicles in July; an increase of 10.6% when compared to July 2011 (sales of 5,895 vehicles).  On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 45,938 vehicles, an increase of 0.4% over the comparable period (with sales of 45,750 vehicles).

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com








Mercedes-Benz

Passenger Vehicles

Jul-12

Jul-11

Monthly %

YTD 2012

YTD 2011

Yearly %








C-CLASS

5,663

4,554

24.4%

43,349

34,535

25.5%








E-CLASS

5089

5,114

-0.5%

35455

37,079

-4.4%








S-CLASS

852

887

-3.9%

6,362

6,449

-1.3%








CL-CLASS

39

24

62.5%

426

532

-19.9%








SL-CLASS

449

93

382.8%

2,024

1,043

94.1%








SLS AMG

59

49

20.4%

618

397

55.7%








SLK-CLASS

235

1,115

-78.9%

2,499

2,207

13.2%








CLS-CLASS

665

704

-5.5%

4,593

2,032

126.0%








R-CLASS

32

56

-42.9%

1,402

1,874

-25.2%








M-CLASS

1,790

2,778

-35.6%

22,416

16,967

32.1%








G-CLASS 

64

114

-43.9%

525

747

-29.7%








GL-CLASS

2,494

1,889

32.0%

14,076

12,925

8.9%








GLK-CLASS

1,880

1,628

15.5%

14,160

13,140

7.8%








TOTAL

19,311

19,006

1.6%

147,905

129,932

13.8%








*SPRINTER

2,203

1,732

27.2%

11,479

8,827

30.0%








**smart

780

327

138.5%

5,528

327

1590.5%








MBUSA
Combined Total

Jul-12

Jul-11

Monthly %

YTD 2012

YTD 2011

Yearly %








GRAND TOTAL

22,294

21,065

5.8%

164,912

139,086

18.6%

*Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Sprinter Vans are sold and marketed in the U.S. by Mercedes-Benz USA and Daimler Vans USA, respectively.

**Numbers reflect MBUSA sales as of 7/1/2011; see release for total smart brand sales

 

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA

Thanks Alex of this great review on Yelp!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Mercedes-Benz Celebrates Summer With "Best Summer" Campaign

Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz is inviting its Facebook fans to "Best Summer," an initiative that is celebrating summertime moments surrounded by Mercedes-Benz events including most recently Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

 

To participate, Facebook fans are asked to post a unique photo at www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzusa, which will enter them into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 13 month lease of the perfect summertime convertible, a 2013 SLK250 roadster.  Fans are encouraged to capture their favorite summertime moments while incorporating a Mercedes-Benz vehicle or the Mercedes-Benz logo.

"The summer season is full of great memories that everyone wants to capture and celebrate. Through the Best Summer campaign, we have created a fun way to bring this to life for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts," said Eric Jillard, manager of digital marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  "Over the next several weeks, the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star will play host to major events providing the perfect backdrop to capture the Best Summer photos."  

Mercedes-Benz Best Summer events include:

  • Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim - July 19 - 23
  • 94th PGA Championship - August 9 - 12
  • Pebble Beach Concours - August 16 - 19
  • US Open - August 23 - Sept 9

The Mercedes-Benz USA Facebook page is hosting the Best Summer campaign, which runs from July 19, 2012 to September 10, 2012. To enter, you must be 21 years of age with a valid driver's license.

For more information or sweepstakes rules, visit: www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzusa.>

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  


*Courtesy of PRNewswire

Monday, August 13, 2012

Mercedes-Benz and Golf: PGA Championship preview

Mercedes
The 94th PGA Championship kicks off this week, and as a proud patron of the PGA of America, Mercedes-Benz is delighted once again to supply the Official Vehicle for 2012.

Taking place from 9–12 August, the last major tour of the season sees some of golf’s best players descend on Kiawah Island’s celebrated Ocean Course, South Carolina, for the strongest all-professional field of the year.

Following his unexpected defeat at the Open, Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador Adam Scott will now take on reigning champion Keegan Bradley in a bid to win the prized Wanamaker Trophy.

To add to the competition, players at the Ocean Course must take into account the notoriously unpredictable coastal winds – conditions that require a tremendous amount of ingenuity and adaptation in shot making.

During the past week, course officials reported that Scott has been busy preparing for the tournament with a few all-important practice rounds, joined by Woods and McDowell who have also been perfecting their shots for the onslaught.

Staged in the United States since 1916, the PGA Championship today enjoys a reputation as one of the most prestigious events on the global sporting calendar, attracting an audience in excess of 250,000 people.

Through our exclusive partnership with the Professional Golfer’s Association of America, Mercedes-Benz also provides the Official Vehicle for the long-standing Senior PGA Championship and 2012 Ryder Cup; a privilege that offers us unprecedented visibility at the highest level of sporting perfection.

For full coverage of the tournament, including news, pictures, video footage and exclusive interviews, visit the Mercedes-Benz Official Golf Facebook page.

*Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz News

Monday, August 6, 2012

Take a Look Inside our Showroom

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Want a quick and convenient way to get some info on Mercedes-Benz’s current lineup of vehicles?  Our showroom page can give you all the details you need to start your car search.  Try it out yourself: http://bit.ly/OZuz5l